South London Fare Dodger Jailed for Spitting at Bus Driver

A south London fare dodger has been jailed for spitting at a bus driver who challenged his non-payment.

Michael Aidoo, 44, of no fixed abode, admitted a charge of common assault when he appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 25th March 2021.

He was sentenced at the same court on Thursday, 1st April 2021.

Common assault, an offence contrary to section 39 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, has a maximum penalty of an unlimited fine and/or 26 weeks' custody on summary conviction.

In the case of common assault (as opposed to assault by beating), an assault takes place if the offender causes another person to apprehend the immediate use of unlawful violence. There does not need to be direct physical contact between the offender and victim.

Magistrates heard that on 13th February 2021, Aidoo brazenly tried to board the bus on Queens Road, Peckham, without payment of the fare.

When challenged by the driver, the 44-year-old became abusive, lowered his mask and spat in the driver's direction before walking away. Fortunately the protective screen stopped any spittle from landing in the driver's face.

The entire incident was captured on CCTV. Police subsequently swabbed the protective screen and DNA analysis identified Aidoo as the culprit. He was arrested on suspicion of common assault on 24th March 2021.

Magistrates dealing with the case were of the opinion that the offence was so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence was appropriate.

Aidoo was sentenced to 18 weeks' custody and ordered to pay £128 victim surcharge.

Detective Sergeant Ian Beattie, of the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: "This was a disgusting act against a key worker who was providing an essential service during the lockdown.

"To be spat is completely unacceptable and it is right that Aidoo has been given a custodial sentence to reflect the seriousness of this offence.

"Spitting is disgraceful at any time, but it is even more shocking in the middle of a pandemic. We will not tolerate such behaviour."